Commencement & Hooding Ceremony

HMS-affiliated PhD Programs 

Hooding Ceremony 2026

Commencement marks the culmination of years of hard work and academic achievement. On May 28, 2026 the Office for Graduate Education PhD Programs will host the HMS-affiliated PhD Programs Hooding Ceremony. 

Eligibility:
Graduates receiving degrees in November 2025, February 2026, or May 2026 are eligible to participate in the 2026 Commencement activities.

Registration & Tickets:
All graduating students must register and order tickets to participate in Commencement activities. Registration and ticket ordering will open April 2026. You will receive an email from our office announcing when Hooding Ceremony registration is open and available to you. 

PLEASE NOTE: There are separate ticketing portals for the Morning Exercises of Commencement, the GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony and the HMS-affiliated PhD Programs Hooding Ceremony. Please be sure to visit the individual sites to register and secure your tickets for each event.

Ticket Limits:
Each participating graduate may request up to two guest tickets for the Hooding Ceremony. Please be advised that all guest seating is allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. 

Academic Regalia:
All graduates must wear academic regalia. Ordering is available through Herff Jones.

For more information about Commencement-related events and activities, please visit Commencement Events.